Morgan Sindall breaks ground at SEN secondary school expansion in Luton
Morgan Sindall Construction’s Northern Home Counties business has put spade to the ground at a new SEN secondary school building in Kestrel Way, Luton. The tier one contractor was appointed to the project by Luton Council, and celebrated this first construction milestone with a groundbreaking event on 19 October.
Representatives from Morgan Sindall and senior council leaders were joined at the event by staff from Woodlands Secondary School, which is expanding into this second site. Attendees listened to speeches from Luton Council Leader Councillor Amjid Ali, Chief Executive Mark Fowler and Morgan Sindall Area Director Rod Pavey, saw the progress being made on site, and enjoyed refreshments.
The school will be built using a steel-frame structure complemented by brickwork and Rockpanel finishes, creating a contemporary and durable learning environment. The project forms a key part of Luton’s strategy to increase provision for children and young people with special educational needs.
In line with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to sustainable construction, the team will incorporate photovoltaic panels and an energy-efficient MEP system. To measure and reduce embodied carbon throughout the design and build stages, the team will use the CarboniCa digital carbon calculation tool and undertake the 10 Tonne Challenge, working with consultants and supply chain partners to identify innovative solutions that collectively cut at least 10 tonnes of carbon from the construction process.
Throughout the project, Morgan Sindall will also deliver meaningful social value for the local community. This includes providing apprenticeships and work placements, as well as engaging subcontractors and suppliers located within 20 miles of the site.
Rod Pavey, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Northern Home Counties, said:
There is a growing need for specialist school places in Luton, and this project is an important step in helping to meet that demand. It brings us great pride to begin construction of this specialist SEN school, working with Luton Council to bring this vision to life. And we can’t wait to get to know the community along the way!”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said:
With demand for SEND school places at an all-time high, this new school will play a vital role in meeting the needs of local families. Through SCAPE’s Construction Framework, we will work closely with Morgan Sindall to accelerate delivery while providing time, cost and value certainty for Luton Council.”
Cllr Amjid Ali, Leader of Luton Council, said:
Demand for specialist school places in the town has grown, and our existing provision is under increasing pressure. We’re building on the success of a school that already has a strong track record, and this expansion means more young people will have the opportunity to benefit from the education and support the school provides. This investment is about helping more children fulfil their potential and giving their families confidence that the right specialist provision is available in Luton.”
ENDS